Chelsea defender David Luiz told Kenedy he would “love” playing for Newcastle United and “special coach” Rafa Benitez before the winger joined the Magpies on loan in January.

Benitez managed Luiz for seven months at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues defender still refers to the Newcastle manager as a “great friend”.

It is understood that Benitez sought character references about Kenedy from Luiz before luring the winger to Tyneside for a half-season loan deal - and the reports the United manager received were glowing.

Interestingly, however, Kenedy also sought out Luiz’s advice before agreeing to move to Tyneside - and seemingly the 30-year-old was effusive in his praise not only of Benitez’s management, but also of Newcastle as a club.

In nine appearances for United so far, Kenedy has impressed - scoring twice and providing two assists. And Luiz believes the 22-year-old is now “in love” with Newcastle, even if Kenedy remains contracted to Chelsea.

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“Rafa Benitez is also a great friend of mine. I told Kenedy that he would find a special coach, a special person who would improve him as a player and also as a man. I told him he is in good hands.”

Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with a summer move for Kenedy, who Newcastle would ideally like to sign on a permanent basis.

However, Chelsea could yet decide to keep the winger and reintegrate them into his squad. In anticipation of Kenedy’s return to Stamford Bridge this summer, Luiz has kept in close contact with his Blues team-mate.

In fact, Luiz has revealed he has been supporting Newcastle and cheering Kenedy on - as well as providing feedback on the 22-year-old’s performances.

“I try to help him. He was always with Diego Costa but, since he [Costa] left, I have taken on that role of looking out for him,” Luiz added.